Wow! I had never been to Mexico and I certainly will travel there again. Our good intention was to travel to San Diego for my mother in laws B'Day, but that was looking pretty slim. So, being the clever person that I am, I made sure my mom in law brought her passport. We were able to book ourselves to Cancun on short notice. Thirty eight (yep 38) seats open on the way out and seven (7) on the way back. So if you are flexible with your destination this could be a great option!!
Since we did not have any reservations at a hotel my mom in law said she would be happy to stay at a big name chain hotel that had room. The Westin is where we ended up staying. We bought the all-inclusive package which was $130 per person/per day, which for such short notice we thought was reasonable. All food and beverages are included in that price, even the minibar. Since neither one of us had ever been to Mexico we felt it was the safest option for us. Our room was on the top floor sea side and the view was just tremendous. The beach was beautiful and the Carribean Sea is the most gorgeous turquoise color you have ever seen.
The taxi ride to the hotel was expensive, $65 and only $30 back to the airport. So, next time we will be more brave and take the bus to the strip instead.
We did take the public transportation down to the market and haggled for goods. Cash is king there, but most places do take a credit card. Please do haggle - I was surprised how low I could get them to go for a few of the items. If you want to buy liquid items (i.e.: Vanilla) , either check them or if you only do carry on bags, buy it at the airport after security.
Happy travels!! Cancun is worth a look!
Mike Summers - January 2014:
If you've ever wanted to visit Cancun, but were worried about transfers, hotels, locations, or food, here is your blueprint for success! We decided to do a couple of quick days to Cancun (Cancun Airport Website: http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm ). Remember that most tourists don't make plans to visit Mexico two weeks before departure, or one week before departure, or as a last minute trip. Most of those folks make their plans months ahead of time based upon an Apple Vacation or upon a predetermined Time Share week. About two weeks before your Cancun trip, check ID90 for seats. If there are about thirty seats, you should be fine. At most, maybe that number will fall to twenty seats by the time you leave. Check the flight load about every day on ID90 and chart the number of open seats. Also check the non-rev list with about five days before departure. Make sure your Passport has not expired. That will limit your trip before it begins!
We only do carry-on bags. A swim suit, sandals, and t-shirts are sufficient. On the morning of your flight check in at the gate to have your documents checked. You might get seats at that time.
Upon arrival in Mexico, move quickly through the area after you push the red light/green light button. These folks are all time share people. Just say, "No Gracias" and keep moving until you get outside. There is more information below on how you meet your transfer company and van.
In my mind Cancun is like the letter "O" with the Airport in the bottom left of the "O", the downtown in the top left of the "O", the Punta Cancun in the top right of the "O", and the Punta Nizuc in the bottom right corner of the "O". The Hotel Zone of Cancun along the Caribbean Sea stretches from Downtown Cancun (top left of the "O") through Punta Cancun (top right of the "O") to the Punta Nizuc (bottom right of the "O"). This "Hotel Zone" is 22 kilometers (14 miles) in length and it's all located along the Boulevard Kukulcan. In fact, the hotel addresses along Boulevard Kukulcan (or "Hotel Zone") use the distance in kilometers from Downtown Cancun as their address. The Hotels nearest downtown have a one, two, or three kilometer address (Temptation, Barceló Costa Real, and Oasis Palm). The hotels near the top right corner of the "O" near Punta Cancun and the Convention Center have a 8 or 9 kilometer address (RIU Cancun, Dreams, Hyatt Regency, and Fiesta American Coral Beach). The hotels near the La Isla Shopping Village along the right side of the "O" have a twelve kilometer address (Beach Palace, Westin Laguna Mar, Live Aqua). And the hotels along the bottom right corner of the "O" near Punta Nizuc (Club Med, Sun Palace, Royal Solaris) have a 19 to 21 kilometer address. Check out this map website for a visual picture of Cancun. Cancun Hotel Map: http://www.si-mexico.com/city_maps/cancun_hotel_map.htm .
On this trip, we decided NOT to do an all-inclusive. Because of this decision, we wanted to be near some restaurants (both local and American) for food choices. We also wanted access to a beach. We decided to stay near the top right of the "O" near kilometers 8, 9, and 10 and Punta Cancun. We checked Hotels.com and Hotwire.com for choices. Based upon our location choice and non all inclusive hotel choice, we narrowed our choices to the:
1) Hyatt Regency Cancun (kilometer 8.5): http://cancun.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html ,
2) Krystal Cancun Hotel (kilometer 9): http://krystalcancun.com/ , and the
3) aLoft Cancun (kilometer 9): http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3930&PS=LGEN_AA_DNAD_CBNG_TPRP/ . We checked Trip Advisor and read the various reviews for each of these properties (keeping in mind that about ten percent of the reviews are written by people that are really picky). Based on the reviews and price, we selected the aLoft as our destination and booked it through Hotels.com on the Sunday before our Wednesday departure. The other two were directly on the beach, but we decided on the aLoft anyway.
Next, we needed a method of transferring from the airport to our aLoft Hotel at Kilometer 9 on the Boulevard Kukulcan (Images of Blvd. Kukulcan: http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0oG7l6JUttSrysAt9FXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBscWN2ZnBjBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkAw--?_adv_prop=image&fr=uh3_my_web_gs&va=boulevard+kukulcan ).
We had used USA Transfer in the past and decided to use them again. Prices vary with destination and number of passengers (USA Transfer Website: http://www.usa-transfers.com/ ). For our trip for two from Terminal 3 to the aLoft Hotel, the cost was $55.00 roundtrip for two. We added a $5.00 trip. You want to book this service no later than Monday for a Wednesday departure (We booked on Sunday after booking our hotel). As you exit the airport at Terminal 3, you will see all the greeters with signs in front of you. To the right is the Margaritaville/Coconuts Welcome Bar (more like a snack shop) and to the left is the Meeting Point (more like an outdoor lounge). The Berry Hill Baja Grill is to the left also and serves as a Meeting Point. Bring your printed vouchers that were emailed to you, read the information on them before leaving for Mexico. USA Transfer has uniformed staff at the airport to greet you. They hold a sign with the USA TRANSFERS logo. Their team is always around. Once they have you they call the driver who is parked in a main parking lot. All this information is on the e-voucher they send you. You pay the driver at the airport in full. Cash only in US Dollars, Canadian Dollars (1=1) or Mexican Pesos (check with driver for current exchange rate). Don't worry, it works out well. The trip from the airport to Kilometer 9 on Blvd. Kukulcan and our aLoft Hotel takes about 25 minutes.
The aLoft was a great hotel for us. The aLoft had a rooftop pool that we never used. The rooms at the aLoft were perfect. Clean, comfortable beds, mini refrigerator, 42" flat screen TV, and a waterfall shower made the hotel a good buy. We ate breakfast (not included in the room price) each morning at the aLoft restaurant. They had an all you can eat breakfast buffet for $16.00, which we chose -- then we skipped lunch each day. Even though it wasn't on the beach, we checked with the front desk, who gave us a pass to Mandala Beach (about two blocks away) where we were given access to beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and a wait staff that brought us our purchased adult drinks (they let us run a tab). It is one of the few beach clubs that is open to the public in the Cancun Hotel Zone, but our hotel an agreement with them for aLoft Hotel patrons to use. It has a fabulous view of one of Cancun's best beaches. During the day there is generally a family atmosphere (except maybe during Spring Break) and at night Mandala Beach holds very popular pool parties. We were pleased with this option!
Nearby restaurants to our hotel included Chili's, Senor Frogs, McDonald's, Hooters, Domino's Pizza, and many local Mexican restaurants.
You can also take any one of the many R-1 or R-2 buses west toward Downtown Cancun. Cost is $1.00. The buses are numerous (every five minutes) and run 24/7 (Cancun Map: http://www.cancungooglemaps.com/cancun-downtown-map.htm ). They will also bring you back to your hotel.
When it's time to head back home, double-check your USA Transfer Voucher to see what time you'll be picked up. They will deliver you to Terminal 3. You'll only need to provide a tip ($3.00 - $5.00). The Cancun Airport is an expensive (a Coke and Snickers bar cost $8.50) place to eat! Plan ahead!
For currency, we took good old USA cash with lots of $1.00 and $5.00 bills. 99% of the restaurants will bring you a tab in Pesos and gladly accept US Dollars. The exchange rate has lately held to 13 Pesos = $1.00 or 130 Pesos = $10.00. We were able to complete our trip without converting any money. If you use large $20.00 or $50.00 bills, they will give you change in Pesos. That's why we used mainly $5.00 and $1.00 bills.
Cancun is a really easy place to visit. You only need to step outside your comfort zone by about one step (and time zone by one--it's in Central Time)! Use our tips above to make it easier. Of course an all-inclusive property makes it even easier to visit, but it costs more! I think they are nice for visits of four days or more. Have some fun and check out Mexico (also take a look at Cabo San Lucas on this Travel Tip Website)! Contact me with questions!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gary Graham - March 2007:
Just thought that I'd pass on a great trip to all of the F9 scouts. Fly into Cancun and take the ADO bus to the main bus station in Cancun ($3.50 per passenger). After you exit the terminal 3 building (after exiting customs), go to the far end of the terminal and you'll see the large red/grey 'tour' buses. You pay for your trip right at the bus. Tip: Wear your F9 badges immediately after you leave the customs area. The timeshare 'hawks' generally avoid airline employees, as they know you probably won't fall 'victim'. Ride the bus to the main Cancun terminal. Catch a taxi at the terminal for Puerto Juarez, the main sea port. Taxi fare from Bus station to Port is $5 PER TAXI, which will include the tip (fare is actually $4). Take the 'water taxi' to Isla Mujeres. Buy your tickets at the port...it goes every 30 minutes. $3.50 per person for 1-way travel. HOTELS on Isla Mujeres: There are a lot of small very inexpensive hotels in the down town area. You just walk up to them. I generally tell them I'm an Frontier Airlines employee, but most have the same rates for everyone. ($35-75 per room per night). A couple that I really enjoy are:
Hotel Plaza Almentros (about $55 per night/room - includes 10% airline employee discount)
Hotel Bucaneros (about $48 per night/room)
Hotel Francis Arlene (about $50 per night/room)
All of these are in the downtown area (about 2 blocks any direction from the water front). The few that are actually located on the beach are a little more expensive, but not bad. Try Hotel Posada del Mar if you want on the beach ($70-80 per night/room). You can check out places to stay on the island's website, as well www.isla-mujeres.net <http://www.isla-mujeres.net>
ACTIVITIES: The island is small and everyone travels by bicycles, mopeds, or golf carts. You can also walk about everywhere! FOOD is inexpensive and great on the island. SCUBA DIVING: If you are interested in scuba diving or just snorkling on the island, I have some friends that are THE BEST! Tell them that I referred you and you work for Frontier Airlines. Check out their website www.crystaldiver.com <http://www.crystaldiver.com> Marielle and Emilio are great. They are a PADI shop...they have great equipment and are are a VERY CONSERVATIVE dive crew. I recommend them highly! FISHING: If you go to VELASQUEZ SEA FOOD restaurant (open air beach front), the food is great and the family has been on the island for generations. Tell them you want to go fishing, and ask them to call "FLAVIO". He is the nephew of the owner. He will meet you and arrange to take you out. I pay $140 for 1/2 day of morning or afternoon 'barracuda fishing' (you often catch other species, as well). The price includes the boat, captain (Flavio), a helper, equipment and bait...you take your own beer. (He'll probably tell you $150, but tell him you have always paid only $140...then he'll 'remember'. He'll ask you for $20 'deposit' to go buy the gas and the bait. Give him the money, he's always good for it...that's the way most of the fisherman on this island do business. Pay him the remainder when he picks you up at the pier to go fishing. If you catch fish (and YOU WILL), consider tipping about 10-15% (he and the helper will split it). They'll offer to take the fish to VELASQUEZ restaurant and have it prepared for your dinner that evening...I suggest you consider it...it's a great way to have dinner.
Anyway, I've been doing this for the past couple of years, and a lot of the Scouts have asked me about it, so I thought I'd add it to this Wiki site. If you go, have a great time and if you visit the people I told you about tell them I recommended them and hello for me!
Happy travels, Gary Graham Ed Kollada - February 2008:
Cancun is one of the busiest vacation spots in the Carribean. The airport can be busy (Website: http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm ), and is quite an experience. Do fill out the entrance-custom form correctly; do not miss a line or they will yell at you and move you to the side. The luggage is x-rayed again before you LEAVE the airport. Long lines...bring your stroller. Like most Mexican airports you can expect a lot of time-share people offering you lots of 'deals' as you leave the customs area and the building. Just keep your eyes focused straight ahead and say 'no, thank you' or 'no, gracias'. When you pass through the gauntlet of salespeople in blue shirts..Do NOT ask them any questions or you will get stuck with them. We had shared transportation from our hotel, which is a Big mistake. We waited in the hot sun until they filled the van. Do use private transportation. USA Transfers seemed to have lots of vehicles and was efficient. Our friends used them (Cancun USA Transfer), and they were pleased: (Website: http://www.usa-transfers.com/ ). If you have a young child or toddler, bring a car seat. There are a variety of websites for airport transportation, both to Cancun and the Mayan Riviera that you can book before leaving for your vacation. I would highly recommend it. Other options for transfers are: (Websites: http://www.cancunshuttle.com/ and http://www.cancuntransfers.com/ and http://www.cancunway.com/ ). Keith Anderson - January 2013:
We did a vacation south of Cancun and Playa to Tulum. Despite its proximity to Cancun, Tulum is not for the youthful, college kid crowd. The youth crowd goes to Cancun; the professors and childless adults head to the quiet of Tulum. That doesn't mean Tulum is cheap. We couldn't find a room on the beach for less than $150 a night that had a bathroom. Meals cost a littl less than they would, here, in Denver. Tulum is luxury, but the luxury there is nature and the beach. Our trip was a five-day sun seeking dash on the second week of January, during the high season, which stretches from winter through spring break. Tulum was an ideal destination (Website: http://www.tulum.com/ ). The bright sunshine was only occasionally obscured by fast-moving clouds. December and January are among the driest months and offer no debilitating heat. Daytime highs were in the 80's, and the night skies were full of stars. Tulum is about 90 miles south of Cancun, and the highway connecting the two is well-paved. We flew into Cancun, rented a car ($25 per day plus insurance from Hertz) and made the drive in early evening. It went smoothly, and we hit no traffic, but watch out for speed bumps and pedestrian crossings at intervals along the highway. Shuttles are available from Cancun to Tulum, but a rental car gave us the mobility to visit attractions beyond the beach. Tulum can be divided into three parts: the town, the Myan Ruins, and the beach. Tulum the town is on the highway about a ten minute drive from the beach. Tourism has pushed the population to about 30,000 people, but the town retains the blueprint of many Latin American towns centered on an open plaza with many shops and street-food vendors. In general, hotels and restaurants are much cheaper in town than those on the beach. We found a few nice places, but our favorite for tasty Mexican food and great service at La Malquerida (Review Website: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150813-d3599900-Reviews-La_Malquerida-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html ). Just past the town are the nearest cenotes, water caves that are a part of a network of rivers under the Yucatan Peninsula. We went to Gran Cenote ($10 admission plus snorkel rental (Website: http://www.grancenote.com/ ) for a swim in its cool, clear water. Snorkeling allows you to see how the water has eroded the cave's limestone walls over the eons into formations of many shapes and sizes. The Gran Cenote had fish swimming within and bats flying overhead. Tulum is best known for its ancient Mayan ruins, which attract a staedy stream of day-trippers (Website: http://www.tulumruins.net/ ) and tour buses. The ruins are smaller and less impressive than Chichen Itza, but its location along the shore make it very scenic. The complex is surrounded by a wall (Tulum means wall) and was inhabited for centuries before the Spanish arrived in the 1500's. Admission is $10 and gives you access to the beach where you can swim. Finally, there is the beach. It stretches for roughly six miles. Waterfront Tulum is lined with cabanas, 'eco-chic' hotels, fancy restaurants, and yoga spots, but it's less developed than other Mexican resort areas, where the view often includes high rise hotels. There is one main road, and it gets crowded during the day. In spots it barely accomodates the stream of traffic. Biking can be perilous. We stayed at a seaside cabana run by Mimi and Richard Contreras (Website: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/150191 ) for $75.00 per night with a shared bathroom, fan, and occasional insects. The rooms are large, cleaned daily, and nicely decorated. There is Wi-Fi (if you must). People staying here can use beach beds, lounge chairs, and a bar from the Contreras' next door property, which hosts cruise ship tours in the afternoon. We were just footsteps from the beach. After 2 nights we checked into the Los Lirios Cabana Hotel (Websites: http://www.tulumboutiquehotels.com/cabanas-los-lirios.html and http://www.loslirioshotel.com/en/index.html ) for $150 per night. Our room had a huge bathroom, balcony with hammock, and a view of the sea. A buffet breakfast was included. The waves were soothing; the water was warm. Pleanty of people were on the beach, but it wasn't overly crowded. Most of all it was sunny and relaxing. Tom Hart - February 2011:
If you're travelling light and want to transfer cheaply, use the Cancun bus system. After you exit the terminal building (after exiting customs), go to the far end of the terminal and you'll see the large red/grey 'tour' ADO buses. You pay for the buses as you get on. Getting to the downtown Cancun bus station is easy this way. The buses run about twice as often and only costs around 45 pesos each way. You will want to verify that the bus has a "Cancun" sign in the front window as opposed to Playa del Carmen. It takes about 25 minutes. I do not know if taking normal luggage on the R1 bus is condoned. I have a backpack which has never been questioned. The picture below left shows a roundabout with shells sculptures in it. Once you see that you are about a block away from the bus terminal. Then you will see a war memorial that has a rocket ship like appearance (second picture).
Cancun Shells
Cancun Memorial
The next two pictures are in the Cancun bus station after you get off the bus. The picture below is for some departures. The bottom picture shows the area (far end) that currently you would go to to purchase a bus ticket to Playa del Carmen or the Cancun airport.
Cancun Shells
Cancun Memorial
If you turn around and face the exit doors (ticket counters to your back), go outside and walk to the right until you get to a four lane divided road. This is the same road that you came in on from the airport but the opposite direction. Across the road is a Commercial Mexicana (picture below). Turn left and cross a smaller street and ahead you will see where the hotel zone buses (R-1) load and a McDonalds on the other side of the street (bottom picture).
Cancun Commercial Mexicana
Cancun R-1 Bus Loading
One of the best values in Cancun are the 3 private bus lines that that go to and from the hotel zone to downtown/centro Cancun. The one way fare in the hotel zone is $8.5-Pesos. There are now newer and air conditioned buses. All bus route numbers are displayed on the front windshield. The main routes are the R-1 and R-2. These buses run 24/7. For those wanting to visit downtown's large Plaza las Americas take the R-27 Bus. This bus does not run 24/7 and during the day runs about every 20 minutes. It will leave you off right across the street (Avenue Tulum) [AVE TULUM IS 14 BLOCKS FROM THE MALL, WHICH IS ON COSTA MAYA] from the plaza. You will get off the bus in front of Sports City. There is no foot bridge so you have to be careful crossing Avenue Tulum or walk back 2 bocks to the corner. The R-2 Bus is best for going to: Walmart (open 24/7), Sam's Club, Market/Mercado 28, and the Hong Kong Restaurant. Most drivers will say when they get to this stop. The R-1 Bus turns right on Avenue Tulum goes past city hall and is where you can get off for the city's main bus terminal (just past the Uxmal Avenue Traffic Circle). The terminal will be directly across Avenue Tulum. Most city buses go out to regions where many locals live. The fares are one way so if you want to go to the end of the line you will have to pay another $8.5 Pesos to return back to the hotel zone. The morning rush hour going into the hotel zone runs from about 6:30-AM to 9:00-AM. Many buses can get very crowded. In the afternoon the rush hour heading to downtown runs from about 4:30-PM to 7:00-PM.
It's convenient and very inexpensive, about U.S. $0.70 per trip to get around Cancun by bus. Buses are frequent and come every few minutes. City buses travel up and down the Hotel Zone and into Downtown Cancun and the station there. Not all city buses are air conditioned. Driver will make change if you use pesos but USD are accepted. Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen/Cozumel by ADO Bus and Ferry to Cozumel:
There are two main terminals at the Cancun airport. Terminal 3 is typically for international aircraft like Frontier, mostly from the USA. If you are on a USA carrier odds are good that you will go into Terminal 3.
Terminal 2 is the mainly domestic terminal (some international flights). This is where I was dropped off by the ADO bus from Playa del Carmen. It was near the first part of Terminal 2 as you reach the airport (right side as you face the Terminal and near the location where arriving passengers leave the Terminal. People are dropped off at Terminal 2 then those needing to go to Terminal 3 are driven there.
At the bottom are ADO bus departure times from Playa del Carmen (PDC) to Cancun airport ... and Cancun airport to Playa. Travel time is about 65 minutes. Also included are ferry times. Note that there are two ferries.
The ADO bus is 120 pesos (approximately $10 USD) per person each way and the ferry cost is around 156 pesos each way for adults (December 2012 prices).
The ADO bus currently loads at the Cancun airport at Terminal 3. About fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled airport departure time, the bus leaves Terminal 3 and proceeds to Terminal 2 to load passengers from that terminal. The bus often makes a short stop in Puerto Morelos before continuing on to Playa del Carmen.
Starting in Playa del Carmen, the bus loads initially at the 5th Ave station then proceeds to the Alternate station on 20th Ave before heading north. It can stop along the highway by Puerto Morelos.
Luggage is stored in large compartments under the bus so there is no need to lug them onto the bus.
Caveat: Things change. Use the information contained here as a general guide and adapt to any changes that occur between major updates. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cancun Airport to Cozumel Details:
This will cover catching the bus from Terminal 2 first then Terminal 3. Followed by a discussion how to walk from Terminal 2 to 3 and vice versa. Of course you can take the ASUR shuttle between the two terminals but I can leisurely walk between them in about eight minutes. Part 1: Arriving into Terminal 2
After you leave the Terminal 2 building you will see the overhead signs shown in Figure 1. The right sign says "Coffe" and "Cafeteria" and an arrow to the right. You will take a right as soon as possible and after walking a few yards will see the Meeting Place to your right. That is shown in Figure 2.
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
Continue straight ahead and you will this view looking down the length of the Terminal 2 building (with the street to your left/building to your right) as seen in the next picture below and to the left. The picture to the right is a different angle showing Terminal 2.
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
Just continue walking the length of the building. The door numbers will increase from around 4 to 13 as you get closer to the ADO bus area. The ASUR shuttle runs from around door 10 and is shown in the next picture below and to the left. Walk down to the Door 13 area and you will look a bit to the left to see where the ADO bus will be (picture below right). There may be people waiting for the bus or a ticket agent. In the middle of the right picture are people in red shirts (yes, hard to see). Just to the right of them is the ADO bus. In April 2012, there was a guarded gate on the sidewalk partway to the bus. The lady asked me "ADO" and I responded Terminal 3 and I went through the turnstile.
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
The next two pictures show the ADO bus location by Terminal 2 as you get closer then a closeup of the bus.
Terminal 2 ADO bus location
ADO Bus closeup
Part 2: Arriving into Terminal 3
This is really simple. Just walk outside. Just before leaving the building you may find an ADO ticket counter. You can buy the ticket there or outside at the bus. Go outside and ahead and to the right is the Air Margaritaville (previously Coconuts) bar building (pic below left). Walk past it and look right and that is where the ADO bus will be or arrive at (picture below right).
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
Below is the shuttle that goes between the two terminals.
Terminal 1
Part 3: Walking from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3
If you walked to the end of Terminal 2 (with the building to your right) and past Door 13 you will soon be a point where when you look a bit to the right you see the view shown in the pic below left. Walk in that direction and you will look down a road. A utility tube is above and to your left (pic below right). Walk to the end of this short road/sidewalk.
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
When you get to the end of the road turn left and you will see the view in the picture below left. Go a short distance and look right (picture below right) and take that sidewalk all the way to the end which is where people exit from Terminal 3.
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
When you get to the area where people exit it is secured by gates/fences. Depending upon where you are you will see Coconuts across the way (picture below left). This picture was taken from just outside the area where arriving passengers leave the building. The couple seen between and past the two pillars are in that area and would see the Air Margaritaville beverage hut to their right. Ask to get inside to catch the bus and you will soon see the ADO bus just to the left of the beverage hut if the bus is there (picture below right).
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
Part 4: Walking from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2
If you walk outside Terminal 3 after passing customs and the ADO bus is just pulling out you may be able to walk over to Terminal 2 to catch it. The ADO bus leaves Terminal 3 to go to Terminal 2 about 15 minutes before it leaves the airport. It takes me about 8 minutes to walk between the two. The picture below left shows what you will see looking down the Terminal 3 building after getting past the gates. The picture to its right is at the end of the Terminal 3 building (building to your LEFT). Just ahead the sidewalk splits. Do not turn right but continue straight ahead to the road where you will turn left.
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
The next two pictures show you the view on the sidewalk almost to the first turn at the road (left) and then after the left turn looking towards the place where you will turn right (right picture).
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
After the turn to the right you will see the utility tube above and to your right. Just continue straight ahead until you get to the sign seen in the picture below right. Look a bit to the right and the covered structures ahead are where the ADO bus will be seen waiting for you.
Cancun Terminal 2 Left
Terminal 2 Right
Part 5: Playa del Carmen bus station to ferry
You have arrived at the Playa del Carmen bus station (near the ferry)
The bathroom at the PDC bus terminal is upstairs. If you face the four side-by-side ticket counters, the stairs are to your right. Entry fee is 5 pesos so have some coins.
Leave from the corner door and you will see McDonalds and a Diamond store to your left. Walk straight forward about 20 yards then veer left and walk down the slight slope with McDonalds to your left. Walk towards the water one block and when you get to the wall that ends at the beach turn right. The next two pics are (left to right) the Diamond store/Mcdonalds and looking east to the ocean as you start walking down the hill.
Diamond Store
East to ocean
The two pics below are from the path past McDonalds near the ocean wall (left). The right picture is looking south about halfway to the ferry pier (just past the plaza). You can see the pier and one ferry boat in the left picture.
To PDC Pier
Towards Ferry
A bit further past the palapa on the left are two ticket booths. Ultramar is the yellow/blue colored booth and the Mexico ferry is the other one. Both are fine. Just take the next one to go and do not buy roundtrip tickets.
The next two pics show the ticket counters and the arch over the entrance to the ferry pier (left below) and the view just outside the pier entrance facing towards the pier (right below). Senor Frogs is to the right.
PDC Arch
PDC Ferry Pier
Just proceed under the arch and you will see the lines forming for the next ferry. Enjoy the trip over. You can get refreshments on the ferry. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 6: Cozumel to the Playa Del Carmen (PDC) bus station (to catch a bus to the Cancun airport or other destinations) Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (PDC) bus station details:
The view from the square towards the Cozumel ferry pier is the next leftmost picture. Ferry tickets will be found at counters in this building as will an ADO bus ticket counter Ferry time to PDC about 35 minutes. The right picture is on the Playa Del Carmen pier.
Coz Ferry pier
Leaving PDC Pier
The next left picture is leaving the pier. Note Senor Frogs to the left is to the right. The next pic on the right is looking to the west as you leave the pier. Rental car companies are located just ahead.
PDC Off Pier
West from PDC Pier
You could go one block to the top of the hill then right two blocks to get to the bus station. We will go right after leaving the pier/arch (Next left pic). The next rightmost picture is just past the palapa. We can either turn left, go one block then right one block...or, we can continue straight ahead. But for now we will go straight along the beach. Of course you can cut diagonally through the plaza area.
Right from PDC Pier
PDC Palapa
Before we continue straight, look a bit left at the plaza. You can also walk diagonally through the courtyard area (next pic on left). Go straight then turn left after one block (before you hit the building!). The picture below/right looks up the hill towards the bus station, McDonalds and the Diamonds International store.
PDC Plaza
PDC Straight
After you turn left and go one block west, look back for one last look at the ocean (next left pic). A few more yards and you are at the bus station (next right pic).
PDC Ocean
PDC Bus Station
ADO Bus Schedule
Bus times verified via their website - August 25, 2012. Always verify times since they can and do change. Check the website below for current information!
ADO Ferry Schedule This is from the Mexico waterjets website and reflects the schedule as of 25 August, 2012. Always confirm times since it can and does change. The two ferry companies alternate times on alternate days so just pick whichever is next. Buy a one way ticket only. Check the website below for current information:
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Cancun Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Cancun
Playa del Carmen Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Playa_del_Carmen
Tulum Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Tulum
Yucatan Peninsula Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Yucatan_Peninsula
Chichen Itza Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Chichen_Itza
Mayan Riviera Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Mayan_Riviera
Akumal Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Akumal
Elise Goshorn - February 2014
Wow! I had never been to Mexico and I certainly will travel there again. Our good intention was to travel to San Diego for my mother in laws B'Day, but that was looking pretty slim. So, being the clever person that I am, I made sure my mom in law brought her passport. We were able to book ourselves to Cancun on short notice. Thirty eight (yep 38) seats open on the way out and seven (7) on the way back. So if you are flexible with your destination this could be a great option!!
Since we did not have any reservations at a hotel my mom in law said she would be happy to stay at a big name chain hotel that had room. The Westin is where we ended up staying. We bought the all-inclusive package which was $130 per person/per day, which for such short notice we thought was reasonable. All food and beverages are included in that price, even the minibar. Since neither one of us had ever been to Mexico we felt it was the safest option for us. Our room was on the top floor sea side and the view was just tremendous. The beach was beautiful and the Carribean Sea is the most gorgeous turquoise color you have ever seen.
The taxi ride to the hotel was expensive, $65 and only $30 back to the airport. So, next time we will be more brave and take the bus to the strip instead.
We did take the public transportation down to the market and haggled for goods. Cash is king there, but most places do take a credit card. Please do haggle - I was surprised how low I could get them to go for a few of the items. If you want to buy liquid items (i.e.: Vanilla) , either check them or if you only do carry on bags, buy it at the airport after security.
Happy travels!! Cancun is worth a look!
Mike Summers - January 2014:
If you've ever wanted to visit Cancun, but were worried about transfers, hotels, locations, or food, here is your blueprint for success! We decided to do a couple of quick days to Cancun (Cancun Airport Website: http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm ). Remember that most tourists don't make plans to visit Mexico two weeks before departure, or one week before departure, or as a last minute trip. Most of those folks make their plans months ahead of time based upon an Apple Vacation or upon a predetermined Time Share week. About two weeks before your Cancun trip, check ID90 for seats. If there are about thirty seats, you should be fine. At most, maybe that number will fall to twenty seats by the time you leave. Check the flight load about every day on ID90 and chart the number of open seats. Also check the non-rev list with about five days before departure. Make sure your Passport has not expired. That will limit your trip before it begins!
We only do carry-on bags. A swim suit, sandals, and t-shirts are sufficient. On the morning of your flight check in at the gate to have your documents checked. You might get seats at that time.
Upon arrival in Mexico, move quickly through the area after you push the red light/green light button. These folks are all time share people. Just say, "No Gracias" and keep moving until you get outside. There is more information below on how you meet your transfer company and van.
In my mind Cancun is like the letter "O" with the Airport in the bottom left of the "O", the downtown in the top left of the "O", the Punta Cancun in the top right of the "O", and the Punta Nizuc in the bottom right corner of the "O". The Hotel Zone of Cancun along the Caribbean Sea stretches from Downtown Cancun (top left of the "O") through Punta Cancun (top right of the "O") to the Punta Nizuc (bottom right of the "O"). This "Hotel Zone" is 22 kilometers (14 miles) in length and it's all located along the Boulevard Kukulcan. In fact, the hotel addresses along Boulevard Kukulcan (or "Hotel Zone") use the distance in kilometers from Downtown Cancun as their address. The Hotels nearest downtown have a one, two, or three kilometer address (Temptation, Barceló Costa Real, and Oasis Palm). The hotels near the top right corner of the "O" near Punta Cancun and the Convention Center have a 8 or 9 kilometer address (RIU Cancun, Dreams, Hyatt Regency, and Fiesta American Coral Beach). The hotels near the La Isla Shopping Village along the right side of the "O" have a twelve kilometer address (Beach Palace, Westin Laguna Mar, Live Aqua). And the hotels along the bottom right corner of the "O" near Punta Nizuc (Club Med, Sun Palace, Royal Solaris) have a 19 to 21 kilometer address. Check out this map website for a visual picture of Cancun. Cancun Hotel Map: http://www.si-mexico.com/city_maps/cancun_hotel_map.htm .
On this trip, we decided NOT to do an all-inclusive. Because of this decision, we wanted to be near some restaurants (both local and American) for food choices. We also wanted access to a beach. We decided to stay near the top right of the "O" near kilometers 8, 9, and 10 and Punta Cancun. We checked Hotels.com and Hotwire.com for choices. Based upon our location choice and non all inclusive hotel choice, we narrowed our choices to the:
1) Hyatt Regency Cancun (kilometer 8.5): http://cancun.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html ,
2) Krystal Cancun Hotel (kilometer 9): http://krystalcancun.com/ , and the
3) aLoft Cancun (kilometer 9):
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3930&PS=LGEN_AA_DNAD_CBNG_TPRP/ . We checked Trip Advisor and read the various reviews for each of these properties (keeping in mind that about ten percent of the reviews are written by people that are really picky). Based on the reviews and price, we selected the aLoft as our destination and booked it through Hotels.com on the Sunday before our Wednesday departure. The other two were directly on the beach, but we decided on the aLoft anyway.
Next, we needed a method of transferring from the airport to our aLoft Hotel at Kilometer 9 on the Boulevard Kukulcan (Images of Blvd. Kukulcan:
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0oG7l6JUttSrysAt9FXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBscWN2ZnBjBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkAw--?_adv_prop=image&fr=uh3_my_web_gs&va=boulevard+kukulcan ).
We had used USA Transfer in the past and decided to use them again. Prices vary with destination and number of passengers (USA Transfer Website: http://www.usa-transfers.com/ ). For our trip for two from Terminal 3 to the aLoft Hotel, the cost was $55.00 roundtrip for two. We added a $5.00 trip. You want to book this service no later than Monday for a Wednesday departure (We booked on Sunday after booking our hotel). As you exit the airport at Terminal 3, you will see all the greeters with signs in front of you. To the right is the Margaritaville/Coconuts Welcome Bar (more like a snack shop) and to the left is the Meeting Point (more like an outdoor lounge). The Berry Hill Baja Grill is to the left also and serves as a Meeting Point. Bring your printed vouchers that were emailed to you, read the information on them before leaving for Mexico. USA Transfer has uniformed staff at the airport to greet you. They hold a sign with the USA TRANSFERS logo. Their team is always around. Once they have you they call the driver who is parked in a main parking lot. All this information is on the e-voucher they send you. You pay the driver at the airport in full. Cash only in US Dollars, Canadian Dollars (1=1) or Mexican Pesos (check with driver for current exchange rate). Don't worry, it works out well. The trip from the airport to Kilometer 9 on Blvd. Kukulcan and our aLoft Hotel takes about 25 minutes.
The aLoft was a great hotel for us. The aLoft had a rooftop pool that we never used. The rooms at the aLoft were perfect. Clean, comfortable beds, mini refrigerator, 42" flat screen TV, and a waterfall shower made the hotel a good buy. We ate breakfast (not included in the room price) each morning at the aLoft restaurant. They had an all you can eat breakfast buffet for $16.00, which we chose -- then we skipped lunch each day. Even though it wasn't on the beach, we checked with the front desk, who gave us a pass to Mandala Beach (about two blocks away) where we were given access to beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and a wait staff that brought us our purchased adult drinks (they let us run a tab). It is one of the few beach clubs that is open to the public in the Cancun Hotel Zone, but our hotel an agreement with them for aLoft Hotel patrons to use. It has a fabulous view of one of Cancun's best beaches. During the day there is generally a family atmosphere (except maybe during Spring Break) and at night Mandala Beach holds very popular pool parties. We were pleased with this option!
Nearby restaurants to our hotel included Chili's, Senor Frogs, McDonald's, Hooters, Domino's Pizza, and many local Mexican restaurants.
You can also take any one of the many R-1 or R-2 buses west toward Downtown Cancun. Cost is $1.00. The buses are numerous (every five minutes) and run 24/7 (Cancun Map: http://www.cancungooglemaps.com/cancun-downtown-map.htm ). They will also bring you back to your hotel.
When it's time to head back home, double-check your USA Transfer Voucher to see what time you'll be picked up. They will deliver you to Terminal 3. You'll only need to provide a tip ($3.00 - $5.00). The Cancun Airport is an expensive (a Coke and Snickers bar cost $8.50) place to eat! Plan ahead!
For currency, we took good old USA cash with lots of $1.00 and $5.00 bills. 99% of the restaurants will bring you a tab in Pesos and gladly accept US Dollars. The exchange rate has lately held to 13 Pesos = $1.00 or 130 Pesos = $10.00. We were able to complete our trip without converting any money. If you use large $20.00 or $50.00 bills, they will give you change in Pesos. That's why we used mainly $5.00 and $1.00 bills.
Cancun is a really easy place to visit. You only need to step outside your comfort zone by about one step (and time zone by one--it's in Central Time)! Use our tips above to make it easier. Of course an all-inclusive property makes it even easier to visit, but it costs more! I think they are nice for visits of four days or more. Have some fun and check out Mexico (also take a look at Cabo San Lucas on this Travel Tip Website)! Contact me with questions!
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Gary Graham - March 2007:
Just thought that I'd pass on a great trip to all of the F9 scouts. Fly into Cancun and take the ADO bus to the main bus station in Cancun ($3.50 per passenger). After you exit the terminal 3 building (after exiting customs), go to the far end of the terminal and you'll see the large red/grey 'tour' buses. You pay for your trip right at the bus. Tip: Wear your F9 badges immediately after you leave the customs area. The timeshare 'hawks' generally avoid airline employees, as they know you probably won't fall 'victim'. Ride the bus to the main Cancun terminal. Catch a taxi at the terminal for Puerto Juarez, the main sea port. Taxi fare from Bus station to Port is $5 PER TAXI, which will include the tip (fare is actually $4). Take the 'water taxi' to Isla Mujeres. Buy your tickets at the port...it goes every 30 minutes. $3.50 per person for 1-way travel.
HOTELS on Isla Mujeres: There are a lot of small very inexpensive hotels in the down town area. You just walk up to them. I generally tell them I'm an Frontier Airlines employee, but most have the same rates for everyone. ($35-75 per room per night). A couple that I really enjoy are:
Hotel Plaza Almentros (about $55 per night/room - includes 10% airline employee discount)
Hotel Bucaneros (about $48 per night/room)
Hotel Francis Arlene (about $50 per night/room)
All of these are in the downtown area (about 2 blocks any direction from the water front). The few that are actually located on the beach are a little more expensive, but not bad. Try Hotel Posada del Mar if you want on the beach ($70-80 per night/room). You can check out places to stay on the island's website, as well www.isla-mujeres.net <http://www.isla-mujeres.net>
ACTIVITIES: The island is small and everyone travels by bicycles, mopeds, or golf carts. You can also walk about everywhere!
FOOD is inexpensive and great on the island.
SCUBA DIVING: If you are interested in scuba diving or just snorkling on the island, I have some friends that are THE BEST! Tell them that I referred you and you work for Frontier Airlines. Check out their website www.crystaldiver.com <http://www.crystaldiver.com> Marielle and Emilio are great. They are a PADI shop...they have great equipment and are are a VERY CONSERVATIVE dive crew. I recommend them highly!
FISHING: If you go to VELASQUEZ SEA FOOD restaurant (open air beach front), the food is great and the family has been on the island for generations. Tell them you want to go fishing, and ask them to call "FLAVIO". He is the nephew of the owner. He will meet you and arrange to take you out. I pay $140 for 1/2 day of morning or afternoon 'barracuda fishing' (you often catch other species, as well). The price includes the boat, captain (Flavio), a helper, equipment and bait...you take your own beer. (He'll probably tell you $150, but tell him you have always paid only $140...then he'll 'remember'. He'll ask you for $20 'deposit' to go buy the gas and the bait. Give him the money, he's always good for it...that's the way most of the fisherman on this island do business. Pay him the remainder when he picks you up at the pier to go fishing. If you catch fish (and YOU WILL), consider tipping about 10-15% (he and the helper will split it). They'll offer to take the fish to VELASQUEZ restaurant and have it prepared for your dinner that evening...I suggest you consider it...it's a great way to have dinner.
Anyway, I've been doing this for the past couple of years, and a lot of the Scouts have asked me about it, so I thought I'd add it to this Wiki site. If you go, have a great time and if you visit the people I told you about tell them I recommended them and hello for me!
Happy travels, Gary Graham
Ed Kollada - February 2008:
Cancun is one of the busiest vacation spots in the Carribean. The airport can be busy (Website: http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm ), and is quite an experience. Do fill out the entrance-custom form correctly; do not miss a line or they will yell at you and move you to the side. The luggage is x-rayed again before you LEAVE the airport. Long lines...bring your stroller. Like most Mexican airports you can expect a lot of time-share people offering you lots of 'deals' as you leave the customs area and the building. Just keep your eyes focused straight ahead and say 'no, thank you' or 'no, gracias'. When you pass through the gauntlet of salespeople in blue shirts..Do NOT ask them any questions or you will get stuck with them. We had shared transportation from our hotel, which is a Big mistake. We waited in the hot sun until they filled the van. Do use private transportation. USA Transfers seemed to have lots of vehicles and was efficient. Our friends used them (Cancun USA Transfer), and they were pleased: (Website: http://www.usa-transfers.com/ ). If you have a young child or toddler, bring a car seat. There are a variety of websites for airport transportation, both to Cancun and the Mayan Riviera that you can book before leaving for your vacation. I would highly recommend it. Other options for transfers are: (Websites: http://www.cancunshuttle.com/ and http://www.cancuntransfers.com/ and http://www.cancunway.com/ ).
Keith Anderson - January 2013:
We did a vacation south of Cancun and Playa to Tulum. Despite its proximity to Cancun, Tulum is not for the youthful, college kid crowd. The youth crowd goes to Cancun; the professors and childless adults head to the quiet of Tulum. That doesn't mean Tulum is cheap. We couldn't find a room on the beach for less than $150 a night that had a bathroom. Meals cost a littl less than they would, here, in Denver. Tulum is luxury, but the luxury there is nature and the beach. Our trip was a five-day sun seeking dash on the second week of January, during the high season, which stretches from winter through spring break. Tulum was an ideal destination (Website: http://www.tulum.com/ ). The bright sunshine was only occasionally obscured by fast-moving clouds. December and January are among the driest months and offer no debilitating heat. Daytime highs were in the 80's, and the night skies were full of stars. Tulum is about 90 miles south of Cancun, and the highway connecting the two is well-paved. We flew into Cancun, rented a car ($25 per day plus insurance from Hertz) and made the drive in early evening. It went smoothly, and we hit no traffic, but watch out for speed bumps and pedestrian crossings at intervals along the highway. Shuttles are available from Cancun to Tulum, but a rental car gave us the mobility to visit attractions beyond the beach. Tulum can be divided into three parts: the town, the Myan Ruins, and the beach. Tulum the town is on the highway about a ten minute drive from the beach. Tourism has pushed the population to about 30,000 people, but the town retains the blueprint of many Latin American towns centered on an open plaza with many shops and street-food vendors. In general, hotels and restaurants are much cheaper in town than those on the beach. We found a few nice places, but our favorite for tasty Mexican food and great service at La Malquerida (Review Website:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150813-d3599900-Reviews-La_Malquerida-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html ). Just past the town are the nearest cenotes, water caves that are a part of a network of rivers under the Yucatan Peninsula. We went to Gran Cenote ($10 admission plus snorkel rental (Website: http://www.grancenote.com/ ) for a swim in its cool, clear water. Snorkeling allows you to see how the water has eroded the cave's limestone walls over the eons into formations of many shapes and sizes. The Gran Cenote had fish swimming within and bats flying overhead. Tulum is best known for its ancient Mayan ruins, which attract a staedy stream of day-trippers (Website: http://www.tulumruins.net/ ) and tour buses. The ruins are smaller and less impressive than Chichen Itza, but its location along the shore make it very scenic. The complex is surrounded by a wall (Tulum means wall) and was inhabited for centuries before the Spanish arrived in the 1500's. Admission is $10 and gives you access to the beach where you can swim. Finally, there is the beach. It stretches for roughly six miles. Waterfront Tulum is lined with cabanas, 'eco-chic' hotels, fancy restaurants, and yoga spots, but it's less developed than other Mexican resort areas, where the view often includes high rise hotels. There is one main road, and it gets crowded during the day. In spots it barely accomodates the stream of traffic. Biking can be perilous. We stayed at a seaside cabana run by Mimi and Richard Contreras (Website: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/150191 ) for $75.00 per night with a shared bathroom, fan, and occasional insects. The rooms are large, cleaned daily, and nicely decorated. There is Wi-Fi (if you must). People staying here can use beach beds, lounge chairs, and a bar from the Contreras' next door property, which hosts cruise ship tours in the afternoon. We were just footsteps from the beach. After 2 nights we checked into the Los Lirios Cabana Hotel (Websites: http://www.tulumboutiquehotels.com/cabanas-los-lirios.html and http://www.loslirioshotel.com/en/index.html ) for $150 per night. Our room had a huge bathroom, balcony with hammock, and a view of the sea. A buffet breakfast was included. The waves were soothing; the water was warm. Pleanty of people were on the beach, but it wasn't overly crowded. Most of all it was sunny and relaxing.
Tom Hart - February 2011:
If you're travelling light and want to transfer cheaply, use the Cancun bus system. After you exit the terminal building (after exiting customs), go to the far end of the terminal and you'll see the large red/grey 'tour' ADO buses. You pay for the buses as you get on. Getting to the downtown Cancun bus station is easy this way. The buses run about twice as often and only costs around 45 pesos each way. You will want to verify that the bus has a "Cancun" sign in the front window as opposed to Playa del Carmen. It takes about 25 minutes. I do not know if taking normal luggage on the R1 bus is condoned. I have a backpack which has never been questioned. The picture below left shows a roundabout with shells sculptures in it. Once you see that you are about a block away from the bus terminal. Then you will see a war memorial that has a rocket ship like appearance (second picture).
The next two pictures are in the Cancun bus station after you get off the bus. The picture below is for some departures. The bottom picture shows the area (far end) that currently you would go to to purchase a bus ticket to Playa del Carmen or the Cancun airport.
If you turn around and face the exit doors (ticket counters to your back), go outside and walk to the right until you get to a four lane divided road. This is the same road that you came in on from the airport but the opposite direction. Across the road is a Commercial Mexicana (picture below). Turn left and cross a smaller street and ahead you will see where the hotel zone buses (R-1) load and a McDonalds on the other side of the street (bottom picture).
One of the best values in Cancun are the 3 private bus lines that that go to and from the hotel zone to downtown/centro Cancun. The one way fare in the hotel zone is $8.5-Pesos. There are now newer and air conditioned buses. All bus route numbers are displayed on the front windshield. The main routes are the R-1 and R-2. These buses run 24/7. For those wanting to visit downtown's large Plaza las Americas take the R-27 Bus. This bus does not run 24/7 and during the day runs about every 20 minutes. It will leave you off right across the street (Avenue Tulum) [AVE TULUM IS 14 BLOCKS FROM THE MALL, WHICH IS ON COSTA MAYA] from the plaza. You will get off the bus in front of Sports City. There is no foot bridge so you have to be careful crossing Avenue Tulum or walk back 2 bocks to the corner. The R-2 Bus is best for going to: Walmart (open 24/7), Sam's Club, Market/Mercado 28, and the Hong Kong Restaurant. Most drivers will say when they get to this stop. The R-1 Bus turns right on Avenue Tulum goes past city hall and is where you can get off for the city's main bus terminal (just past the Uxmal Avenue Traffic Circle). The terminal will be directly across Avenue Tulum. Most city buses go out to regions where many locals live. The fares are one way so if you want to go to the end of the line you will have to pay another $8.5 Pesos to return back to the hotel zone. The morning rush hour going into the hotel zone runs from about 6:30-AM to 9:00-AM. Many buses can get very crowded. In the afternoon the rush hour heading to downtown runs from about 4:30-PM to 7:00-PM.
It's convenient and very inexpensive, about U.S. $0.70 per trip to get around Cancun by bus. Buses are frequent and come every few minutes. City buses travel up and down the Hotel Zone and into Downtown Cancun and the station there. Not all city buses are air conditioned. Driver will make change if you use pesos but USD are accepted.
Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen/Cozumel by ADO Bus and Ferry to Cozumel:
There are two main terminals at the Cancun airport. Terminal 3 is typically for international aircraft like Frontier, mostly from the USA. If you are on a USA carrier odds are good that you will go into Terminal 3.
Terminal 2 is the mainly domestic terminal (some international flights). This is where I was dropped off by the ADO bus from Playa del Carmen. It was near the first part of Terminal 2 as you reach the airport (right side as you face the Terminal and near the location where arriving passengers leave the Terminal. People are dropped off at Terminal 2 then those needing to go to Terminal 3 are driven there.
At the bottom are ADO bus departure times from Playa del Carmen (PDC) to Cancun airport ... and Cancun airport to Playa. Travel time is about 65 minutes. Also included are ferry times. Note that there are two ferries.
The ADO bus is 120 pesos (approximately $10 USD) per person each way and the ferry cost is around 156 pesos each way for adults (December 2012 prices).
The ADO bus currently loads at the Cancun airport at Terminal 3. About fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled airport departure time, the bus leaves Terminal 3 and proceeds to Terminal 2 to load passengers from that terminal. The bus often makes a short stop in Puerto Morelos before continuing on to Playa del Carmen.
Starting in Playa del Carmen, the bus loads initially at the 5th Ave station then proceeds to the Alternate station on 20th Ave before heading north. It can stop along the highway by Puerto Morelos.
Luggage is stored in large compartments under the bus so there is no need to lug them onto the bus.
Caveat: Things change. Use the information contained here as a general guide and adapt to any changes that occur between major updates.
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Cancun Airport to Cozumel Details:
This will cover catching the bus from Terminal 2 first then Terminal 3. Followed by a discussion how to walk from Terminal 2 to 3 and vice versa. Of course you can take the ASUR shuttle between the two terminals but I can leisurely walk between them in about eight minutes.
Part 1: Arriving into Terminal 2
After you leave the Terminal 2 building you will see the overhead signs shown in Figure 1. The right sign says "Coffe" and "Cafeteria" and an arrow to the right. You will take a right as soon as possible and after walking a few yards will see the Meeting Place to your right. That is shown in Figure 2.
Continue straight ahead and you will this view looking down the length of the Terminal 2 building (with the street to your left/building to your right) as seen in the next picture below and to the left. The picture to the right is a different angle showing Terminal 2.
Just continue walking the length of the building. The door numbers will increase from around 4 to 13 as you get closer to the ADO bus area. The ASUR shuttle runs from around door 10 and is shown in the next picture below and to the left. Walk down to the Door 13 area and you will look a bit to the left to see where the ADO bus will be (picture below right). There may be people waiting for the bus or a ticket agent. In the middle of the right picture are people in red shirts (yes, hard to see). Just to the right of them is the ADO bus. In April 2012, there was a guarded gate on the sidewalk partway to the bus. The lady asked me "ADO" and I responded Terminal 3 and I went through the turnstile.
The next two pictures show the ADO bus location by Terminal 2 as you get closer then a closeup of the bus.
Part 2: Arriving into Terminal 3
This is really simple. Just walk outside. Just before leaving the building you may find an ADO ticket counter. You can buy the ticket there or outside at the bus. Go outside and ahead and to the right is the Air Margaritaville (previously Coconuts) bar building (pic below left). Walk past it and look right and that is where the ADO bus will be or arrive at (picture below right).
Below is the shuttle that goes between the two terminals.
Part 3: Walking from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3
If you walked to the end of Terminal 2 (with the building to your right) and past Door 13 you will soon be a point where when you look a bit to the right you see the view shown in the pic below left. Walk in that direction and you will look down a road. A utility tube is above and to your left (pic below right). Walk to the end of this short road/sidewalk.
When you get to the end of the road turn left and you will see the view in the picture below left. Go a short distance and look right (picture below right) and take that sidewalk all the way to the end which is where people exit from Terminal 3.
When you get to the area where people exit it is secured by gates/fences. Depending upon where you are you will see Coconuts across the way (picture below left). This picture was taken from just outside the area where arriving passengers leave the building. The couple seen between and past the two pillars are in that area and would see the Air Margaritaville beverage hut to their right. Ask to get inside to catch the bus and you will soon see the ADO bus just to the left of the beverage hut if the bus is there (picture below right).
Part 4: Walking from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2
If you walk outside Terminal 3 after passing customs and the ADO bus is just pulling out you may be able to walk over to Terminal 2 to catch it. The ADO bus leaves Terminal 3 to go to Terminal 2 about 15 minutes before it leaves the airport. It takes me about 8 minutes to walk between the two. The picture below left shows what you will see looking down the Terminal 3 building after getting past the gates. The picture to its right is at the end of the Terminal 3 building (building to your LEFT). Just ahead the sidewalk splits. Do not turn right but continue straight ahead to the road where you will turn left.
The next two pictures show you the view on the sidewalk almost to the first turn at the road (left) and then after the left turn looking towards the place where you will turn right (right picture).
After the turn to the right you will see the utility tube above and to your right. Just continue straight ahead until you get to the sign seen in the picture below right. Look a bit to the right and the covered structures ahead are where the ADO bus will be seen waiting for you.
Part 5: Playa del Carmen bus station to ferry
You have arrived at the Playa del Carmen bus station (near the ferry)
The bathroom at the PDC bus terminal is upstairs. If you face the four side-by-side ticket counters, the stairs are to your right. Entry fee is 5 pesos so have some coins.
Leave from the corner door and you will see McDonalds and a Diamond store to your left. Walk straight forward about 20 yards then veer left and walk down the slight slope with McDonalds to your left. Walk towards the water one block and when you get to the wall that ends at the beach turn right. The next two pics are (left to right) the Diamond store/Mcdonalds and looking east to the ocean as you start walking down the hill.
The two pics below are from the path past McDonalds near the ocean wall (left). The right picture is looking south about halfway to the ferry pier (just past the plaza). You can see the pier and one ferry boat in the left picture.
A bit further past the palapa on the left are two ticket booths. Ultramar is the yellow/blue colored booth and the Mexico ferry is the other one. Both are fine. Just take the next one to go and do not buy roundtrip tickets.
The next two pics show the ticket counters and the arch over the entrance to the ferry pier (left below) and the view just outside the pier entrance facing towards the pier (right below). Senor Frogs is to the right.
Just proceed under the arch and you will see the lines forming for the next ferry. Enjoy the trip over. You can get refreshments on the ferry.
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Part 6: Cozumel to the Playa Del Carmen (PDC) bus station (to catch a bus to the Cancun airport or other destinations)
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (PDC) bus station details:
The view from the square towards the Cozumel ferry pier is the next leftmost picture. Ferry tickets will be found at counters in this building as will an ADO bus ticket counter Ferry time to PDC about 35 minutes. The right picture is on the Playa Del Carmen pier.
The next left picture is leaving the pier. Note Senor Frogs to the left is to the right. The next pic on the right is looking to the west as you leave the pier. Rental car companies are located just ahead.
You could go one block to the top of the hill then right two blocks to get to the bus station. We will go right after leaving the pier/arch (Next left pic). The next rightmost picture is just past the palapa. We can either turn left, go one block then right one block...or, we can continue straight ahead. But for now we will go straight along the beach. Of course you can cut diagonally through the plaza area.
Before we continue straight, look a bit left at the plaza. You can also walk diagonally through the courtyard area (next pic on left). Go straight then turn left after one block (before you hit the building!). The picture below/right looks up the hill towards the bus station, McDonalds and the Diamonds International store.
After you turn left and go one block west, look back for one last look at the ocean (next left pic). A few more yards and you are at the bus station (next right pic).
ADO Bus Schedule
Bus times verified via their website - August 25, 2012. Always verify times since they can and do change. Check the website below for current information!
CancunAirport to PlayaDel Carmen: 1010 AM, 1050 AM, 1130 AM, 1210 PM, 1250 PM, 130 PM, 210 PM, 250 PM, 330 PM, 410 PM, 450 PM, 530 PM, 615 PM, 700 PM, 745 PM, 845 PM, 930 PM, 1015 PM
Playa del Carmen to CancunAirport: 500 AM, 710 AM, 805 AM, 910 AM, 1005 AM, 1030 AM, 1100 AM, 1205 PM, 1230 PM, 110 PM, 150 PM, 230 PM, 300 PM, 400 PM, 500 PM, 550 PM, 630 PM, 710 PM, 800 PM
ADO Ferry Schedule
This is from the Mexico waterjets website and reflects the schedule as of 25 August, 2012. Always confirm times since it can and does change. The two ferry companies alternate times on alternate days so just pick whichever is next. Buy a one way ticket only. Check the website below for current information:
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: 700 AM, 800 AM, 1000 AM, 1100 AM, 1200 noon, 100 PM, 300 PM, 500 PM, 600 PM, 700 PM, 800 PM, 1000 PM
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen: 600 AM, 700 AM, 900 AM, 1000 AM, 1100 AM, 1200 Noon, 200 PM, 400 PM, 500 PM, 600 PM, 700 PM, 900 PM
Websites:
1) Mexico ferry: http://www.mexicowaterjets.com/eng/servicios.php?id=HR
2) Ultramar ferry: http://www.granpuerto.com.mx
3) Bus system: http://www.ado.com.mx
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